The plaque mounted below the statue reads: “This bronze statue of the legendary Irish hero Cuchúlainn, by Irish sculptor Oliver Sheppard R.H.A., is a memorial to the participants of the 1916 Rising. The legend relates that when mortally wounded in battle, Cuchúlainn tied himself to a pillar so that he might face his enemies, even in death. Only when a raven perched on his shoulder did they dare to approach. This memorial was unveiled on Easter Sunday, 21st April, 1935. Inscribed underneath are the names of the seven signatories of the proclamation of the Irish Republic, which was read for the first time by P.H. Pearse outside this building on Easter Monday, April 1916.” |
Cuchúlainn is named ‘Setanta’ at birth, and is the nephew of King Conchobor of Ulster. He is brought up by Conchobor at Emain Macha, and even as a child his fame spreads because of the feats he performs as a boy warrior. Setanta receives the name ‘Cuchúlainn’ when, upon being attacked by Culain’s hound as Culain and Conchobor are feasting, Setanta smashes the hound’s head against a rock and it is killed. Conchobor and Culain rush outside expecting to find Setanta torn to pieces and instead find the hound dead and Setanta unharmed. Culain is distraught at the death of the hound that had faithfully guarded his lands. Setanta then, without blame for the death of the hound, vows to take the place of the hound and guard the lands of Ulster. He is thereafter called Cuchúlainn, meaning ‘the hound of Culain.’ |